The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that fans will be banned from wearing war paint or ceremonial headdresses in the team’s stadium from now on.
“While we have discouraged fans from wearing headdresses for several years, effective immediately, fans “will be prohibited from wearing headdresses into the stadium,” the NFL team said in a statement.
“Face painting is still allowed for all fans, but any face paint that is styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions will be prohibited,” it said.
Fans who sport either get-up will be blocked from entering the stadium during security screening, the team added.
This ban was the result of discussions with “a group of local leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds and experiences” over the past six years, the Chiefs said.
The team’s leadership is also reviewing fans’ use of the tomahawk chop, as well as Arrowhead Stadium’s area known as the “Drum Deck,” where fans can hit a giant, native-style drum featuring the team’s logo.
These changes are just the latest example of a professional sports team cracking down on “offensive” words or actions related to Native American culture.
Several teams have even changed their names completely to appease leftists who have accused the NFL of perpetuating “harmful stereotypes.”
The MLB’s Cleveland Indians announced it would change its team name earlier this summer, and the Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, followed suit shortly thereafter.
“The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community, and sponsor input,” the team said in July.
Over the next few months, the Washington Football Team will begin “the process of retiring all Redskins branding from team properties whether it be FedExField, Redskins Park, other physical and digital spaces,” officials said.
